Acts like torque converter stays locked up

[pcr777]

I have a 2001 4runner 2wd automatic tranny that 'takes off' when put in drive or reverse, and will stall out the engine when applying the brake. Has anyone experienced this? A worker friend said it may be some solenoid in the tranny that is malfunctioning. I'd like to avoid a total tranny tear-down. Any insight would be appreciated. If I can fix it myself, I will. I've done engine swaps, but never torn down and reassembled an auto-tranny. Thanks.